Malabon-Navotas drug ring busted

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve alleged members of a drug syndicate operating in Malabon and Navotas were arrested in a series of stings on Wednesday.

They are among 35 suspected pushers and users apprehended in Metro Manila over the past two days.

Northern Police District director Chief Superintendent Amando Clifton Empiso yesterday said the 12 suspects were alleged members of the “Mabong” drug group, which rents houses and apartments to avoid detection.

Among those arrested are alleged leader Marvin Orano; Tonylyn Laderas, an alleged distributor in Barangay Hulong Duhat, Malabon; Dennis Jiongco, Rennier Cruz, Jason Sapao, Gina Abantao, Armando Asuncion, and one 17-year-old, alleged distributors in Barangay Tanong; couple Angelo and Kathrice Leongson, Mark Lawrence Roldan and Christian Enriquez, alleged distributors in Barangay Ibaba.

Police confiscated 26 sachets of suspected shabu weighing 84 grams and with a street market value of P1.008 million, an Uzi machine pistol with 20 rounds of 9mm bullets, two hand grenades and a Mitsubishi Mirage used as a getaway vehicle.

Boy, 15, nabbed for pushing

Among the others arrested is a 15-year-old boy, said to be a notorious drug pusher, in a sting in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

The boy and his companions – Rommel Jacinto, 27, and Rose Marie Ornido, 19 – were caught in a drug bust at their home in Barangay Sta. Monica.

Police said they were able to buy P16,000 worth of shabu from the boy, supposedly a notorious drug peddler in the Novaliches area. 

The boy, who is on the Novaliches police’s drug watchlist, allegedly yielded 25 grams of shabu worth an estimated P125,000.

His two adult cohorts yielded two .38 caliber handguns and ammunition during their arrest.

Anti-narcotics police also arrested seven others in Quezon City, 10 in Manila, two in Marikina and one in Mandaluyong.  – Romina Cabrera, Non Alquitran, Rey Galupo